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Global Glimpses

“Global Glimpses” follows compliance, risk, and corporate governance news both in Europe and around the world. It covers developments at the International Accounting Standards Board, as well as global regulation, anti-bribery, and corruption enforcement, along with other compliance developments abroad. Global Glimpses is written by contributor Paul Hodgson. Hodgson welcomes questions, comments, and statements from readers on global issues and will address them here when appropriate. Readers can contact him at paul.hodgson@complianceweek.com.

New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority, the government agency responsible for financial regulation, on Aug. 9 set out its work plan for the year ahead, as the conduct and culture of the country's financial services industry comes under increased scrutiny.

Stephen Haddrill, chief executive of the U.K.’s Financial Reporting Council, wrote a letter to investors highlighting recent changes to companies’ annual reports and advising investors on what to expect in the coming crop. The report is “intended to be an important source of forward-looking information about strategy and risk,” he says. Perhaps most important, says CW’s Paul Hodgson, Haddrill directs shareholders to challenge companies when they fall short of expectations.

Elizabeth Corley, global chief of Allianz Global Investors, warns that there can be serious consequences to the economy if bankers continue to engage in reckless misconduct. Corley says rogue bankers often see wrongdoing as a minor rather than a serious offence, which can lead to bigger problems for financial institutions. Her research of legal, compliance, audit, and management shows that too many employees can’t tell if they are going down the wrong path. Details inside.